"We rule or we exterminate." - Emperor Arend If Max could only accept the Silver rule that controls everything from his work to his shower time, his life on the desert planet of Gandar 5 would be fine. But he wants more; he just doesn’t know what that is, or how to get it. When his mentor is threatened with a legal sentence that will kill him, his comfortable controlling existence is shattered, and Max has to make a decision that will change his entire life. *** Manfred stands proud as he watches his son train in the courtyard. As a Chosen One, he cannot bear the thought of his son inheriting a universe that does not live up to the Towers ideals he upholds. After destroying the last bastion of the rebellion on Gandar 5, he thought his son’s future was secured, but corruption from planets across the sectors have led to instability and looming energie shortages across their empire. How can he reestablish their great empire to withstand the test of time?
The world-building in "When They Whisper" is nothing short of fantastic. Milan's vivid descriptions breathe life into the diverse planets and sectors, transporting readers into a realm brimming with awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant cultures. The attention to detail enhances the immersive experience, making the sci-fi universe feel both expansive and tangible.
The book's strength lies not only in its world-building but also in its unforgettable characters. The two main protagonists undergo profound transformations, their journeys marked by personal growth and harrowing challenges. Milan's exploration of their motivations, fears, and desires instills a sense of empathy, forging a deep connection between readers and the characters.
In conclusion, "When They Whisper" is a fantastic sci-fi novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through a richly imagined universe. Milan's adept storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. The blend of mystery, war, politics, and unanswered questions adds an air of mystery and intrigue that will leave readers eagerly anticipating further exploration of the captivating world Milan has created.
I can’t wait to explore the rest of the world!
(Disclaimer: I did have an advanced reader copy of the novel)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book.
This book is great for the Sci-fi and dystopian-loving reader. Action-packed from the first chapter, I enjoyed the gritty adventure through the slightly futuristic-roman-empire-inspired world. There were definitely a few unexpected, eye-brow-raising moments for me and think this book is a brilliant start to the Galaxis Universe. Excited to see how several of the characters develop in the future!
As a disclaimer I received an advanced copy of the book.
Easily my favorite part of this book is the world building, the locations and people all fit together so well I wish I had an encyclopedia/wiki just to go through and read all of the events in the universes history.
I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reader copy, and in no way could it have prepared me for the excellence of this novel. Milan brings ideas and scenes to life that can only be compared to some of the most established authors we all know and love.
The characters in this book are meticulously crafted and edited to allow us, the readers, to build a bond and a connection that allows us to explore their universe through their eyes.
This book entails not only what you expect from the title or the first couple of pages, but it also entails a strong character-driven book with tales of life and death, trust and betrayal, bravery and cowardice, naivety and sophistication. Without revealing the plot too much, this story takes on a form that is unexpected from a fresh author. Milan has truly transformed what it means to be a new author in an already dominated space, he has just set the bar incredibly high.
I anticipate his next novel with high expectations, although I have no doubt that they will be exceeded, yet again.
For a preliminary work, this book knocks it out of the park. Is it perfect? No. Does it tell an amazing story, grip you emotionally and leave you hanging for the next installment? Abso-freakin'-lutely!
I have characters that I love, that I hate, there is depth, there is mystery, everything you want in a sci-fi, fantasy-esque novel is here and, in a world where the market is infinitely over-saturated with endlessly similar content (ain't nothing new under the sun), it provides a relatively fresh experience for an old, avid sci-fi & fantasy fan such as myself. I was not bored at all! Sure, every story has it's slow bits, it's all part of building a world. It takes time, careful attention to detail and a mountain of effort.
Kruger has done well in all of these areas and has released something he should be immensely proud of.
This book is truly something to behold. You would never guess that this is Kruger’s first foray into the writing world as the story and characters flow and fit together so incredibly well you would think C.S. Lewis came back to life for one last hurrah.
The world building and character development is reminiscent of the works of J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series. The stories and vibes are very different but Kruger is able to get you completely invested and immersed in the world of the book, and really root for the underdog main character ‘Max’.
The book takes so many twists and turns it’s literally impossible to tell what comes next, and that ending, oh my goodness.
I think we are witnessing the start of something great here so it’s best to get on the M.B. Kruger train before it departs to Hollywood.
Definitely a must read. As a casual reader i find it difficult to find a story captivating enough to keep me reading to the end and after reading When They Whisper all i can say is wow, it kept me guessing what happens next, the atmosphere is amazing and the characters are written in such a way that you actually care about what happens to them, even the side characters. The world is beautifully written and described and makes it easy for me to mentally visualise all that i am reading. As a first in the series and universe I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
What an excellent and well written book. I wish there were more pages to read. It was completely gripping and I had a hard time putting it down. Every adventure and storyline has so much to take in, it feels like you're living the lives of the characters. And the plot twists will knock your socks off. Can't wait to read more from this writer.
Also had an advanced reader copy, greatly paced book with a well written protagonist you can really feel for. Fantastic descriptions that help to personify even the smallest of characters throughout the book, beware, if you start you won’t be able to stop!
When They Whisper is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of mystery and adventure. I found myself engrossed in a world of intrigue and unexpected twists. Thoroughly enjoyable.